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Familial pancreatic hyperenzymemia
1Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital, Italy. pezzilli@altavista.net
Pancreas
|March 9, 2000
Summary
This study reveals that elevated pancreatic enzymes in healthy individuals can run in families. This nonpathological pancreatic hyperenzymemia is a benign condition, important for avoiding unnecessary medical investigations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- A novel form of pancreatic hyperenzymemia in healthy individuals without pancreatic disease was previously identified.
- The familial occurrence of this condition remained undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the familial distribution of nonpathological pancreatic hyperenzymemia.
- To characterize the prevalence and clinical presentation of this trait within families.
Main Methods:
- Studied 102 subjects from 23 families with pancreatic hyperenzymemia.
- Evaluated clinical history, physical exams, routine blood work, serum amylase, pancreatic isoamylase, lipase, amylasuria, and abdominal ultrasonography.
Main Results:
- Seven of 23 families (30.4%) exhibited familial pancreatic hyperenzymemia, with 19 individuals affected.
- Affected individuals showed elevated amylase (1.3-5.2x), pancreatic isoamylase (1.4-8.6x), and lipase (1.6-18.0x) levels.
- No subjects presented with symptoms, signs of disease, or abnormal ultrasonography findings.
Conclusions:
- Nonpathological pancreatic hyperenzymemia can have a familial distribution in healthy subjects.
- The underlying cause of this benign condition is currently unknown.
- Awareness is crucial to prevent unnecessary medical evaluations and patient anxiety.